Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Emissions Target: No vision, no guts, no future
Hot Topic: No vision, no guts, no future
The New Zealand government announced this afternoon that NZ would table a conditional emissions target of between 10% and 20% cuts on 1990 levels by 2020 [Scoop, Herald]. The range is supposed to allow for a response to the progress of international negotiations, and the conditions are that there should be a comprehensive international agreement that (according to the MoE Q+A):
…sets the world on a pathway to limit temperature rise to not more than 2°C; developed countries make comparable efforts to those of New Zealand; advanced and major emitting developing countries take action fully commensurate with their respective capabilities; there is an effective set of rules for land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF); and there is full recourse to a broad and efficient international carbon market.
Climate minister Nick Smith says that the target will be achieved by a mixture of domestic emission reductions, the storage of carbon in forests, and the purchase of emission reductions from other countries. The MoE Q+A page lists the measures in place to help NZ reduce emissions (#25): it amounts to a watered down emissions trading scheme, a $323 million home insulation and clean heating fund, a new Centre for Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research, incentives for new energy technologies like sustainable biofuels, electric cars and solar water systems, Resource Management Act reforms and a National Policy Statement to support renewable electricity generation. No mention of forestry. Are the trees expected to plant themselves?
MORE: http://hot-topic.co.nz/no-vision-no-guts-no-future/
Scoop
Scoop Independent News
Scoop is NZ's largest independent news source; respected widely in media, political, business and academic circles for being the place on the internet for publishing "what was really said", and for the quality of its analysis of issues.
Gordon Campbell: On More Threats To Democracy From David Seymour
Auckland Transport: Thieves Endanger Public By Stealing Road Safety Fencing Worth $75k
WorkSafe NZ: Ecostore Commits $323k To ‘Cultural Shift’ In Safety
TECT: New Western Bay Of Plenty Heritage Navigation Tool In Development
Wellington City Council: 'I Am Focused On Continuing The Momentum' – Mayor Tory Whanau
Love Food Hate Waste: From Overbuying To Overcooking - Food Waste Challenges Impacting Smaller Households
NZ Government: Strong Biosecurity More Important Than Ever
